“Technology is just a tool. In terms of getting the kids working together and motivating them, the teacher is most important.” —Bill Gates

Monday, January 7, 2013

21st Century Learning & Technology

Happy New Year! I wish you all the best in 2013!

Wow! We had a great start of the year at school today. After the Christmas
holidays we came back to a full PD day. At this time we were honored to have Pam Allyn,
author of many books and director of LitWorld and LitLife.

My takeaway from today's sessions is:

How can the 21st century tools help bring out the best of
each and every child?

Nowadays, everyone can get what they need from anybody. The
challenge we face now is how to ask the right questions.

21st century school can help empower the shyest and most
fearful child.

A paradigm shift is focusing on technology-based genres of
text. For example, write a long essay and a short essay in Twitter form.

The 21st century tools contribute to building empathy in the
children. For example, in the community created in Facebook, in which people
share and agree upon posts.

"To be a master of content you have to be a strong
reader." ­—Pam Allyn

Pam stressed that these are transformational times and that
technology plays an important role, however it's not about teaching the tool, which
will most likely be replaced by another one quite soon, but rather it's about
empowering the students to thrive as learners in the 21st century.

Finally, I'll share a list of websites and apps that promote reading. They are all really good. Enjoy!

About Me

Hi, I'm a tech teacher interested in everything related with the fusion of technology with education and on how to help children and teachers learn to use technology appropriately so in turn, the technology can help them to learn.